The ITV4 cameras are at Gosforth Park tonight for the Friday Night Live series, and the feature SBK Handicap (7.00) is as competitive as a Class 3 sprint gets. 14 runners, a stiff uphill finish, and enough early speed to light up the Tyne—here is the no-nonsense breakdown.
The Tactical Burn-Up
Newcastle’s 5f is a notorious test of stamina. Unlike a flat-track sprint, you can’t just “hang on” here if you go too hard. Looking at the map, we have a classic speed duel brewing:
Paddys Day (#11): The undisputed king of the track with 7 course wins. He only knows one way to go: forward.
Heavenly Heather (#10): A mare in the form of her life. She’s won two of her last three and likes to dictate from the front.
Rhythm N Hooves (#8): Another who thrives on being prominent.
The Verdict: With three confirmed front-runners drawn in stalls 4, 9, and 14, the early pace will be relentless. This plays perfectly into the hands of a closer who can pounce while the leaders are treading water in the final 100 yards.
The Leading Contenders
The Selection: The Caltonian (#4)
Odds: 13/2
The Case: He’s the “stamina” play. He won a Class 2 over 6f here just three weeks ago, proving he relishes the surface and the uphill graft. Dropping back to 5f tonight is a masterstroke; with such a fierce pace guaranteed, his 6f engine will be the deciding factor when others begin to fade. Paul Mulrennan is the master of timing a run at this track.
The In-Form Threat: Heavenly Heather (#10)
Odds: 11/2
The Case: You can’t ignore a horse at the top of the ratings. She was slightly unlucky over 6f last time (short of room) and returns to the minimum trip where she “made all” in January. If McHugh can get her to settle just slightly off the lead, she’s the one to beat.
The Value Each-Way: Elegant Erin (#1)
Odds: 50/1
The Case: A massive price for a proven course and distance winner. She’s a 9-year-old now, but her run at Ascot last October showed she still has plenty of spark. If they go a crazy gallop up front, she’s exactly the type to pick up the pieces at a huge price.
The Verdict
The front-runners Paddys Day and Heavenly Heather will set the race up, but they might just set it up for someone else.
Nap: #4 The Caltonian
Next Best: #10 Heavenly Heather
Dark Horse: #1 Elegant Erin (E/W)